Shymkent Oil Refinery

The Shymkent Oil Refinery, also known as PKOP, is one of the most important energy facilities in southern Kazakhstan. It was commissioned in 1985 and was the last major refinery built in the country during the Soviet era. Today, the plant is operated as a joint venture between the state-owned KazMunayGas and the Chinese CNPC, highlighting the close economic cooperation between the two nations. The refinery is of central importance for supplying the populous southern regions of Kazakhstan with gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. Between 2011 and 2018, an extensive modernization program was carried out, which included the installation of state-of-the-art catalytic cracking units. This raised the quality of fuels to international standards and reduced environmental impact. With a capacity of approximately 6 million tons per year, it contributes significantly to reducing dependence on fuel imports. Shymkent is also a major hub for the export of petroleum products to neighboring Central Asian countries.

Nearby cities

Shymkent

As a vibrant commercial hub in the sunny south, the city blends ancient Silk Road history with modern growth.

Chirchiq

Important industrial city near Tashkent, located in the valley of the river of the same name.

Saryagash

A renowned spa resort in southern Kazakhstan, famous for its healing mineral springs and golf courses.

Olmaliq

Well-known mining city with large copper and zinc deposits at the foot of the Kurama Mountains.

Amirsoy

The most modern all-season mountain resort in Uzbekistan, featuring world-class infrastructure.

Beldersay

A well-known mountain resort famous for the region's longest chairlift and great powder snow.

Sayram-Ugam National Park

A diverse nature reserve in the Western Tien Shan mountains, featuring snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.

Yangiyul

A fast-growing suburb of Tashkent with a significant food industry.

History & landmarks

Sayram

A historic settlement in Kazakhstan, famous for its ancient mausoleums and as the birthplace of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

Minor Mosque

A relatively new mosque built entirely of white marble, located on the banks of a canal in Tashkent.

Nature

Charvak Reservoir

A popular recreation area near Tashkent, formed by the Charvak Dam on the Chatkal River.

More places

Shymkent Dendropark

An expansive green arboretum where locals seek recreation among exotic trees and tranquil lakes.

Chirchiq Valley

A broad, agriculturally used valley in the Tashkent region, formed by the Chirchiq river.

Tashkent Zoo

A spacious zoo in the Uzbek capital featuring exotic animals and large open enclosures.

Japanese Garden Tashkent

A peaceful retreat featuring traditional landscape architecture, koi ponds, and an authentic tea ceremony hut.

Ashgabat Park

An ultramodern recreation park in Tashkent, built as a symbol of friendship between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Karjantau Range

A smaller but steep mountain massif near Tashkent, often visited by nature lovers and hikers.

Amir Timur Square

A star-shaped park and square in the center of Tashkent, surrounding a famous equestrian statue of the conqueror.

Khazrati Imam Complex

The religious heart of Tashkent, which houses mosques, mausoleums, and a library with the oldest Quran in the world.